PITTSBURGH — Community members are raising money to help special makeup effects artist Tom Savini rebuild after a devastating fire at his Pittsburgh home.
Known for his work in film, including George A. Romero’s “Living Dead” series, Savini has called the Bloomfield home on Taylor Street his “home base” for decades, according to a GoFundMe campaign by local effects artist Jason Baker.
An electrical fire Saturday severely damaged the home, killed Savini’s two cats and destroyed family heirlooms and keepsakes from his career, the campaign states. Savini and his wife were not hurt.
According to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department, firefighters rescued a woman from a rear second-floor balcony. She was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.
The campaign seeks to help Savini with temporary housing, cleanup and replacing belongings lost in the fire.
In a social media post Monday, the Douglas Education Center in Monessen shared well-wishes for Savini and his wife, Jodi.
“Tom has meant so much to Douglas Education Center and to generations of students whose lives and careers have been influenced by his extraordinary talent, passion, creativity and willingness to share his craft. He is a friend and loved by all at DEC,” their statement reads.
Savini founded a special makeup effects program at the DEC, according to the college’s website.
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